Memory Center Key To Fau Plan For Alzheimer's Center

BOCA RATON A new, sophisticated memory and wellness center is a cornerstone in Florida Atlantic University's plans to build one of the most comprehensive Alzheimer's disease facilities in the state.

The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, named after its benefactors and officially dedicated Thursday, will house programs for patients and caregivers, be the home base for research projects, and feature an adult day center where as many as 70 people can receive care five days a week.

In the future, university officials envision an independent and assisted living center adjoining the new $3 million building, which covers 15,000 square feet in the campus' northeast corner.

Palm Beach County legislators this session will ask the state to designate FAU as a memory disorder center and classify its new day center as a model program under the state's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative. If granted, it would bring thousands of additional dollars for research and diagnosis.

"It may not happen this year. But it is going to happen," said Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, who is requesting $280,000 for the two initiative measures.

The memory and wellness center, which is linked with Boca Raton Community Hospital, first opened in 2001 in FAU's nursing college. More than 400 patients have been evaluated.

Besides offering counseling and support groups, the center has done progressive work on brain training for those in the disease's early stages.

Now, with more space and resources, it will begin clinical trials for anxiety, sleep and depression medications, as well as those for dementia patients. The hospital also announced it will make a $75,000 grant toward bringing a national caregiver's support project to the center.

"We have a great and growing population ... of senior citizens who live and thrive here. But we also know there are some who will face special challenges," said FAU President Frank Brogan, addressing about 400 people gathered for the center's official unveiling.

Ruth Tappen, an FAU eminent scholar in nursing and the center's director, said the staff and programs moved into the center in December. She anticipates soon receiving the state license for the adult day program, which will have separate rooms for 35 patients in the disease's early stages and 35 in the moderate stages.

The building itself was the star of Thursday's event. The guests strolled through its pastel-painted halls and rooms after the ceremony, admiring its kitchen, modern exercise room and outdoor garden.

"It's just so wonderful," said Fran Meth, 85, of Delray Beach. Her husband, Manny Meth, also 85, who has been coming to the center for about a year, smiled when his wife mentioned he enjoyed dominoes, a game that may help patients retain some of their memory longer.

"As soon as Manny comes home from the center, he goes to sleep," Fran Meth said. "He's so relaxed."

Diane Lade can be reached at dlade@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6618.

TO LEARN MORE

For more information on the adult day program at the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, call 561-297-0503.